WCS Permits & Pilot Cars - Oversize Load Permits

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Hauling Oversize Loads in Maryland

Hauling oversize loads in Maryland involves several steps.

In Maryland, you need an oversize load permit if your vehicle exceeds 8’6″ wide, 14’0″ high, 65′ long or 80,000 pounds. 

But the preparation does not end with obtaining oversize load permits. Oversize loads often need pilot cars and specialized equipment is required for travel, including oversize load signs and specialized oversize load LED lights for trucks. 

There are standard pilot car requirements when hauling an oversize load in Maryland.

Permit regulations such as night and weekend travel restrictions and specific curfews should be known prior to travel. 

Routing is another major step in the heavy haul process. Most state agencies will not be aware of temporary construction, bridge heights or travel restrictions on some city/county townships or on Indian reservations. If you have a complicated load, it’s best to check your route or conduct a route survey in advance.   

Maryland oversize load hauls also may require local city and county permits. Obtaining a state permit in Maryland does not relieve you of the liability of cities and counties. Most Maryland cities and counties require additional permits. Choosing not to obtain city or county permits raises liability concerns, specifically two. 

  1.  Ticket/fine: Fines for illegally traveling on city or county roads without a permit range from a few hundred dollars to $30,000 or more.
  2. Accident/Insurance: If you get into an accident while traveling on a city or county road without a permit, your insurance may deny you coverage costing you more than just money.

If you want to speak to a WCS Transportation Consultant about planning your oversize load haul in Maryland, call (888) 737-6483 now or contact us. An oversize load transport is much more than just permits, a heavy haul transport also includes routing, permit regulations, liability and more.

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MD PILOT CAR REQUIREMENTS FOR HAULING OVERSIZE LOADS
Pilot Car Width:
  • Greater than 13’0
    • 1 pilot required
      • Manufactured Housing unit Not
        required
  • 14’0 or greater
    • 2 pilots required
      • Manufactured Housing included
  • 16’0 or greater
    • 2 pilots required
    • State Police required
Pilot Car Length:
  • Greater than 85’0
    • 1 pilot required
  • 140’0 or greater
    • 2 pilots required
Pilot Car Height:
  • 14’6 or greater
    • 1 pilot required, with Height sensor
Pilot Car Overhang:

N/A

Additional Info:

  • Weight:

    • Greater than 120,000 lbs.
      • 1 pilot required
    • Greater than 150,000 lbs.
      • 1 pilot & 1 State police is required
  • Additional pilot cars
    • 1-2 additional pilot cars
      • When weather or road
        conditions justify
      • Determined by permit office
LIGHTS & SIGNAGE REQUIRED TO HAUL OVERSIZE IN MD
Light Requirements:

Lights Specs:

  • 2 Red lights
  • Located on the rear of loads sides and/or the widest parts of the load
Sign Requirements:

Sign Specs:

  • Wording:
    • “OVERSIZE LOAD”
  • Size:
    • 7′ x 18″
  • Lettering:
    • 10″ x 1 5/8″
  • Coloring:
    • Black lettering on Yellow background
  • Location:
    • Front of vehicle & rear of load
Flag Requirements:

Flag Specs:

  • 18″ x 18″ Fluorescent Orange or Red squares
  • Mounted on staffs on all four corners of the
    load

MD PILOT CAR EQUIPMENT REQUIREMENTS TO HAUL OVERSIZE IN
MD
Light Requirements:

Light Requirements for Maryland pilot cars:

  • Amber oscillating or rotating roof light
  • Visible to front & rear
  • Flashing warning lamps
    • Used when vehicle is traveling 20 MPH
      or less than posted speed
Sign Requirments:

Sign Requirements for Maryland pilot cars:

  • Wording:
    • "OVERSIZE LOAD" or "WIDE LOAD"
  • Size:
    • 5’0 x 1’0
  • Lettering:
    • 10” x 1 5/8 ” brush stroke
  • Color:
    • Yellow background, Black lettering
Additional Equipment:

Additional Equipment for Maryland pilot cars:

  • 2-Way Radio

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WCS Permits & Pilot Cars - Oversize Load Permits

WCS Permits & Pilot Cars is North America’s oversize load permit authority. 

Phone: 888-737-6483

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